Chapter 521

After stepping out of Hackett's office, Richard didn't head straight to his car.

Instead,he pulled out his phone and dialed Alexander.

"Hackett asked us to try and talk Daniela out of it."

Silence stretched on the other end of the line.

Richard exhaled sharply. "Why is Daniela so determined to go up against them? These men are industry giants. If she pushes too far, they won't just sit back and watch. If they decide to retaliate, she won't stand a chance."

Still, Alexander said nothing.

Frustration crept into Richard's voice. "Alexander, I know how hard you worked to build your success. And I know you want to be with Daniela, but is it worth risking everything you've achieved? What if she refuses to back down and offends the wrong people?Even if you two get back together,you'll be walking into a storm that won't just pass."

Finally, Alexander spoke, his tone steady and unwavering. "Dad, stay out of this. Daniela isn't reckless. If she's making a move like this, she has a reason.Let me figure it out."

Richard's frown deepened, but after a long pause,he let out a reluctant sigh. "Alright."

Once he hung up, he ran a hand over his face.

No matter how much he respected Daniela, his priority was always Alexander.

And above all, he didn't want to go back to the struggles of the past.

StilI, if Alexander was willing to wait, he would trust him to handle it.

He forced himself to hold back from confronting Daniela.

But the next day, Daniela made headlines again, this time for boldly acquiring yet another major corporation.

Richard sat stiffly in front of the television, his eyes glued to the screen as Daniela's interview played.A cold unease crept through him.

Then,his phone rang.

Hackett.

"Richard,don't you think your future daughter-in-law is crossing the line?" Hackett's voice was low, edged with something dangerous.

Richard's stomach tightened. "Well, uh..."

"Have you spoken to Daniela or not? Or did you, and she just brushed you off? If she doesn't even listen to you, don't expect us to sit back and watch. The association represents over three thousand of the country's top companies; we won't let this slide."

Richard swallowed hard. "What's the rush? I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet. My schedule's been packed. I'll meet with Daniela this afternoon. No, I'll go right now!"

He ended the call and shot to his feet, panic etched across his face.

What the hell was Daniela thinking?

Was she seriously going up against the nation's most powerful enterprises? If they joined forces against her,she'd be crushed.

Meanwhile, Daniela was reviewing reports when a knock at the door interrupted her. Lillian stepped in."Daniela, Richard's here. He looks frantic and says he needs to see you right away."

Daniela's brows lifted slightly. "See me?"

Lillian nodded. "He was completely out of breath when he arrived. His face was pale from running, and he chugged a full glass of water before he could even speak."

Daniela's brows knitted slightly. "Ask him what it's about. I have an international meeting coming up. If it's nothing urgent, tell him to come back another day."

Today's meeting was with headquarters to review the latest round of financial data.

The overseas executives had always been skeptical of Daniela's decision to return to the country, enforcing strict accuracy checks on every report.

Lillian nodded and stepped out.

Richard paced the lobby, checking the time every few seconds. When Lillian returned, he didn't wait for her to speak.

"Let's go upstairs," he said, already striding to the elevator.

Lillian held up a hand, stopping him. "We can talk here.Daniela is in an international meeting. Tell me what you need, and I'll pass it along."

Richard's face darkened. "That won't do! This is serious, and you can't speak for her. I need to see Daniela-now!"

Lillian gave an indifferent shrug. "Then come back another day."

Her casual response nearly made Richard lose his temper.

His gaze flicked around the lobby until it landed on Cedric, who was idly trimming the branches of a potted plant.

Richard's irritation boiled over. "Look at him! Just look at Cedric! He used to be the fearsome CEO of Phillips Group-calm,ruthless,always in control. And now?Now he's lounging around like some spoiled brat.Don't tell me he's riding on Daniela's coattails now?"

Lillian followed his gaze.

Cedric was carefully snipping away at the plant, his expression oddly serene.

Spoiled? Not exactly. But ever since he had married

Daniela,he had become more approachable, even at ease.

Cedric's secretary had once mentioned that before Daniela entered his life, Cedric never smiled.

Now,Lillian often caught Cedric grinning at Daniela,flashing a fullset of teeth, completely unguarded.

"Lillian, te most important thing in any relationship is sincerity!" Richard's voice carried weight, his emphasis on the word unmistakable. Lillian arched a brow. "And?"

"Daniela's been making some aggressive moves lately,acquiring one company after another. Alexander and I are beside ourselves with worry-we haven't had a decent night's sleep in days. You're her right hand,aren't you? You know as well as anyone that if she thrives, so do you. So, talk some sense into her. No one takes on a giant and comes out unscathed. Just because her company is thriving now doesn't mean she should get ahead of herself. She needs to stay grounded, don't you think? Hackett spoke to me a few days ago. His message was simple: harmony benefits everyone. I think it's a sound approach. Daniela is still young; she should aim for a smooth, steady path instead of being so-"

Richard stopped short, realizing the word he was about to use might not sit well. He adjusted his tone,gentler now. "What I mean is, she shouldn't back herself into a corner. Someone as sharp as Daniela wouldn't do that. Don't you agree?"